Team Alpha Male trainer ‘Bang’ Ludwig on his ridiculously busy night at UFC on FOX 9

Duane “Bang” Ludwig has been the head coach of Team Alpha Male for nearly a year now, but at UFC on FOX 9 on Saturday, he’ll face a unique and complicated challenge for the first time.

With Joseph Benavidez (19-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Urijah Faber (29-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Chad Mendes (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and Danny Castillo (16-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) all scheduled to compete in high-profile contests at the event, Ludwig has to juggle the process of efficiently preparing each individual for his respective bout.

It’s a challenge the rookie head coach has never faced before, and even though it will be a hectic night with a lot on the line, Ludwig is excited by the opportunity.

“In order for me to focus on each individual athlete is going to be hard because I have four of them on the card,” Ludwig told MMAjunkie Radio. “It’s hard to juggle, but it’ll be fun for sure.”

A coach with multiple fighters on a card isn’t uncommon in the sport. What makes it particularly difficult for Ludwig, though, is having three of those four fighters competing in consecutive bouts at the card, which airs on FOX from Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. (FOX Sports 1 and MMAjunkie carry the prelims.)

Benavidez challenges flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1 MMA, 6-1-1 UFC) the main event, Faber meets Michael McDonald (16-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) in the bantamweight co-headliner, Mendes is set to clash with fellow 145-pound contender Nik Lentz (24-5-2 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC) in the night’s third billing.

That leaves Ludwig little time to spend with each man pre-fight, a situation that is slightly worrisome for the fighter-turned-trainer.

“The warm-up is the hardest part, making sure each guy has the correct information before he goes out for the fight,” Ludwig said. “I’m just so wrapped up I want to make sure I’m giving enough attention to each guy because I have four people.”

Fortunately with the event in Team Alpha Male’s backyard, it provides the opportunity for assistant coaches from the gym – who would normally be unable to travel to an even – to support Ludwig’s efforts.

Saturday’s fight card is a milestone event for both Ludwig and Team Alpha Male. Prior to his arrival, Team Alpha Male was a successful camp. However, the squad was primarily self-trained and unable to get over the hump in a UFC championship fight.

Benavidez could become the first titleholder from the team, and Faber and Mendes are both on the verge of earning title fights of their own.

If that first belt comes this weekend, a lot of praise will be shed on Ludwig for his role in accomplishing the feat. And while belts are important to “Bang,” more than anything, he’s proud with how everyone on the team has evolved as martial artists under his tutelage.

“Everyone’s pointing at the title shots, but aside from that, the amount of success we’ve had since I’ve been here is tremendous, and I’m definitely happy for that,” Ludwig said. “When we do get the title on the 14th, I’ll be smiling, and that will cement me and my legacy as a coach and a trainer.”

For the latest on UFC on FOX 9, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.